Business is starting to rebound at many top-end hotels but you can still find bargains for that special vacation.
Last year, due to the effects of the recession, several new properties and luxury hotels gave big discounts to increase sales. But in 2010, occupancy went up more than 13 percent and prices are going up again for people wanting to rent a single room. Group rates are still down though because not as many big businesses are booking retreats at expensive resorts. And while there are signs of recovery in New York City, hotel prices are still lower in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Quite a few hotels deals can still be found across the country if one knows where to look. Many hotel executives believe that now is the time to take advantage of the economy and treat ourselves to vacations we may not otherwise afford.
Using a website that scans discounters and hotel proprietary sites may be the best thing to do when trying to find the lowest rate on a hotel room. Web sites like HotelsCombined and DealBase give users a number of different price options at each property. Many hotels offer free services like massages and meals like breakfast, deals you might get through the hotel but won't find on a travel booking site.
You may try to go during the off season. The Ritz-Carlton in Rose Hall, Jamaica, for instance, costs more than $400 a night during the peak season and $100 during hurricane season. November (before Thanksgiving) is an excellent time to find a bargain at hotels in the Caribbean.
Or go to Ireland. Many luxury hotels have recently lost a lot of business clients. Iceland is another less-expensive destination even before volcano eruption there hindered European travelers. The new City Center in Las Vegas is now offering aggressive rates and the Trump had rooms for less than $100 to $150. People also should consider Chicago, where the Ritz-Carlton has had rooms for $250.
Book early! There are a lot of book-early deals from hotels over the past few years and a lot of rate compression across the spectrum. And if you have enough of them, use points from a loyalty program for free rooms for a 3- or 4-star property and pay the difference to upgrade to a better property.
